Chapter 584: Nami Wants Long Hair, A Surprise Attack on Kirari
Yakumo Yukari and her companions had taken an immediate liking to Ichihara Yuko, their conversation flowing effortlessly until the early hours of the morning. Reimu, experiencing this caliber of refined company for the first time, felt an unfamiliar sense of high-society elegance wash over her.
However, no matter how much they wished to continue their pleasantries, the approaching dawn dictated otherwise. After settling the bill, the group of four parted ways. There were no dramatic or tearful goodbyes; they all knew their paths would inevitably cross again.
Yuko was just about to say something to Ren when the distinct patter of footsteps echoed from the stairs. She didn't even need to guess who it was. Cerberus, who had been on the verge of bounding out the door, froze mid-step on the staircase. The triplet demon stared wide-eyed at the familiar figure standing in the foyer.
Cerberus remained frozen for two seconds before rushing down the remaining steps. "It's Yuko! Yuko, you're back!"
Seeing the demon's sheer excitement, Yuko offered a warm, elegant smile. "That's right. Of course I would come home after everything was settled."
Suddenly remembering something crucial, Cerberus bolted back upstairs to spread the news. Yuko blinked in mild surprise as Ren spoke up, his voice gentle. "She went to wake the others. It seems Cerberus really missed you."
"You don't even miss me..." a dry, sarcastic voice drifted over.
Yuko didn't need to turn around to know it was Lucifer. She shot the Queen of Hell an exasperated glare. A few more words from her and Yuko's blood pressure would undoubtedly spike. 'I am a goddess today. I must remain calm and reserved,' she reminded herself, taking a slow breath.
Soon enough, Kasugano Sora and Courage hurried downstairs, their hair still slightly tousled from sleep. Sora practically threw herself into Yuko's arms, her voice bright with joy. "Sister Yuko, you're really back!"
Courage chimed in with warm greetings, followed closely by Nakiri Mana and the others who had previously only seen Yuko through video calls. Nami, Justice, and Modeus were quickly introduced to the returning resident.
Nami's eyes sparkled the moment they landed on her. "You're so pretty!"
Yuko let out an airy, graceful laugh. She had spent the entire afternoon carefully perfecting her makeup and trying on countless accessories to achieve this exact, flawless effect.
Justice pushed her sunglasses up, grinning widely. "So we had a massive beauty hiding at home this whole time! I only knew there was someone named Yuko, but seeing is believing."
After sticking close to Lucifer, Justice had successfully integrated into the household. She had quickly discovered that everyone here was incredibly talented and pleasant to speak with. She loved the atmosphere, and her curiosity about this highly praised Yuko was finally satisfied. The woman truly was stunning.
Lucifer waved a dismissive hand, leaning against the wall. "Alright, alright. If you keep praising her, Yuko's true, lazy nature is going to spill out. Let's just preserve your initial impressions while we can."
"I am always like this!" Yuko snapped, her refined facade slipping for a fraction of a second.
"Sure, sure. You're the grand director of a rebel army, even though you have absolutely zero soldiers..."
"Lucifer!"
After the morning commotion settled and everyone took their turns washing up, Yuko sank into a comfortable chair, gazing around the warmly lit shop. "Home really is best," she murmured softly. She looked up at Ren. "What's for breakfast?"
Ren kept his expression perfectly neutral. "The whole family is on a fasting diet recently. No eating today."
Yuko stared at him, utterly dumbfounded, until she caught the faint, teasing curve at the corner of his mouth. She reached out and gave his arm an annoyed smack. He was just messing with her. She, Yuuka Kazami, and Lucifer really needed to form an alliance against his constant teasing.
When the food finally arrived, Yuko abandoned all pretense of her goddess-like aura. She ate with a ravenous intensity that left Nami and the newcomers, who were witnessing her dining habits for the first time, staring in stunned silence.
Nami ventured a nervous smile. "Sister Yuko, did you not eat very well while you were away?"
Yuko paused, dabbing her lips with a napkin. "It was... alright. There was someone who took over the cooking, and it was decent enough. But usually, I was just too lazy to move." She coughed delicately into her hand. "Usually, if I didn't have much time, I would just order takeout..."
Lucifer and the others exchanged flat, speechless looks. 'So much for maintaining the goddess image.'
Nami sighed wistfully, her gaze lingering on Yuko's flowing locks. "Your hair is absolutely gorgeous, Sister Yuko. It makes me want to try growing mine out."
Courage, ever the fashion aficionado, appraised Nami with a critical eye and nodded approvingly. "Hmm. You would look fantastic with long hair, Nami. It would be best if you added some soft curls or waves at the ends."
"Really?!"
"Mhm! Trust me, I am a fashion icon."
"Then it's decided! I'll start growing my hair out today!"
As breakfast concluded, the girls tactfully dispersed to attend to their own business, leaving only Yuko and Ren at the table. Yuko wasn't blind; she knew exactly what Lucifer and the others were doing. No one had invited her along, and they had slipped away without a word to give the two of them some much-needed space. It was a silent, touching gesture.
Yuko stretched gracefully, her curves accentuating the languid movement. "I'm stuffed. Where are we heading today?"
Ren tilted his head, a soft smile on his lips. "Didn't you say you wanted to go shopping?"
Yuko let out an exasperated sigh. "I can't shop all day! I'm wearing high heels!"
"Then we will save the shopping for the afternoon," Ren replied smoothly. "As for this morning... I suddenly thought of a place that should be highly entertaining."
Yuko eyed him with a hint of suspicion. "What are you plotting? I always get the feeling you are brewing up something mischievous."
"Out of everyone here, whose daily life are you most curious about?"
Yuko tapped her chin thoughtfully. "Kirari. She is always talking about how magnificent her school is, and I almost bought into it. I am genuinely curious to see what this Private Hyakkaou Academy is actually like. Wait..." Her eyes widened. "You aren't thinking of..."
Ren nodded slowly.
Yuko pictured Momobami Kirari's perpetually composed, serious facade shattering at the sight of them dropping in unannounced. She immediately burst into a fit of laughter. "Well, what are we waiting for? Let's go, let's go!"
She took a confident step toward the door before pausing, suddenly realizing a flaw in the plan. "Wait, we can't just waltz into a private academy casually."
Ren chuckled, reading her mind perfectly. "Don't worry. We have an insider."
"An insider... Sayaka?"
"Exactly. It seems you haven't lost your edge during your time away."
"Oh, shut up. Let's just go."
Meanwhile, within the opulent halls of Private Hyakkaou Academy, Momobami Kirari sat at her desk, her icy blue eyes narrowing with dangerous anticipation. A new stage had been set. It was time for a game—a beautiful, twisted clash between madmen.
"Sayaka... we need to leave."
Igarashi Sayaka bowed her head respectfully. "Yes, President."
Kirari's lips curled into a chilling, predatory smile. "Heh... Jabami Yumeko... how fascinating. Come then... let us enjoy a game where absolutely everything is on the line."
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